Sacrifice (The Descendants #2) Read online

  “We’ve traded in our carriages for roadsters. I can certainly get used to this!” Nikolas bellowed to everyone’s delight.

  Suddenly Nikolas’ expression grew somber. “And traded free-flowing saloon’s for the Volstead Act.”

  “Darlin’, they’re plenty of speakeasies to quench your thirst.” Bethany as well as the other members seemed delighted with the aspect of visiting the dance clubs where illegal liquor was sold. They could care less about the laws of these mortals, especially the Prohibition laws.

  My little brother let go of my hand and stepped forward. He stood beside Nikolas and beamed from ear to ear. Then he took a deep breath and took in all the potent smells – choke provoking exhaust, the aroma of fried food, and the faint scent of perspiration – that filled the warm air. The change of scenery was a drastic one, yet a welcome one.

  All of my disciples including Bethany, Victor, Nikolas and myself, although we had already had a taste of this type of landscaping since spending some time in the far off future, couldn’t ignore the scale of buildings that jutted upward slicing into the nearly cloudless sky as if racing to the heavens and Mt. Olympus. We had been to the future but had not seen Gothic architecture so magnificently proportioned. Each building was adorned with towers, steeples, and bartizans, which you’d expect to be erected on castles. One skyscraper peaked out from behind another and stood taller than the last. It was one enormous cube of masonry after another, which stood in almost unendurable monotony. The climbing structures blurred into the distance farther than what the mortal eye could see, but not our eyes.

  “It’s where we belong.” Victor added, as he slipped his hand into mine. I slipped my hand out of his to his disapproval.

  I searched through the crowd of members for Evan. My disciples started to pair off into twos and threes as they strolled up to the curb to hail a taxicab. Evan was walking up the avenue with Bethany and a few other disciples. I was about to call after him but Phoebe started tugging at my hand.

  “Can we go to our new home now? I can’t wait to see my room,” she said in a high-pitched excitable voice.

  “May we.” I corrected, smiling. “Of course, darling and we’ll ride there in a taxicab.”

  Phoebe seemed satisfied with that and we boarded a cab as all the other members rode away in taxicabs to our very own apartment buildings. Each of us would be nestled in one of the four, towering, twenty story buildings, which we owned outright. I expected everyone to feel comfort as the newness gave way to familiarity once inside their new home. It wasn’t until I sat in the backseat of the brougham cab that I realized how right Victor had been. The Pennsylvania Railroad station with its colonnade of Greek columns, joined by their entablature, was in the image of the Parthenon. This was where we belonged.

  “Where to, Miss?” The cab driver asked, somewhat impatiently.

  “277 Park Avenue, please.”

  The driver merged into traffic and nearly careened into a horse drawn carriage before heading up the avenue.

  Park Avenue was parallel to Fifth Avenue - its skyscraper office buildings, and two blocks east of it. The Avenue, from Forty-Sixth to Ninety-Sixth Street, was a succession of colossal packing cases, the mass production of millionaires. The park space, which sat in its center and under the rumbling trains of the New York Central, blossomed into a formal garden strip of grass and shrubs.

  Our building was a dramatic departure from the mansions of Nickel City. It sat with infinite solidity on its full city block. It was a broad street, running like an arrow from north to south. Each apartment had double floors and a servant’s wing and equipped with everything we needed including brand new furnishings shipped in from Europe and an extensive wardrobe representing the finest fashions of the day.

  My duplex roof apartment, which was on the top story of one of the buildings, was a separate apartment perched on the top of the monolith, with light on all four sides. Inside, a 160 foot long vaulted hall ran the length of our apartment. My little brother and sister, and I walked through the enormous living room beneath a geometrically patterned coffered ceiling and the library, which reminded me very much of the one I enjoyed in the former Tieron estate. Its dark oak shelves held the same books and paintings. Across from the library was the oak paneled dining room with its crystal chandeliers, which hung in each of the rooms four corners. Next was the billiard room, which quickly became Christopher’s favorite room.

  We went up the circular staircase that led to almost half a dozen bedrooms and four baths. Hidden on the balustrade below the second story was another portion of the apartment, which provided sleeping quarters for Sun Paw and Light Shine who had seemed just as eager to leave Nickel City.

  I chose to Glamour them, leaving them only to remember a long train ride before arriving here. By Glamouring them, the adjustment to the new time would also be effortless and they would believe they had lived the twenty years we jumped in time while seeing their age across their faces and bodies. Perhaps it was selfish of me to rob them of twenty years, but they would feel as if they lived it.

  “How do you like your new home?” I asked them, although I already knew the answer by the way they didn’t bother repressing their joy, as children never do.

  “I love it, Delia.” Phoebe gushed.

  “I do too.” Chris agreed, nodding.

  “Why don’t we tour the entire apartment?” I suggested.

  After a few hours, Phoebe and Christopher were settled in their rooms, I decided to contact the rest of the empire. By now, I hoped that they were settled in. My disciples and I had a clear understanding. We looked to a better future for our empire. Everyone wanted the same thing – to live in peace no matter how improbable that seemed now. I know that many of my disciples were still in anguish over losing their parents and wanted them avenged. I wanted the same thing, but first I must resurrect my parents – the mission was still the highest priority on my agenda and the real reason for leaving Nickel City, not the coincidental persecution of mortals.

  Persecution? The idea was laughable, but necessary in guaranteeing a clean break to New York, the place of my parents’ burial.

  I dressed in a floral patterned, silk chemise that was just a few inches passed my knees. I parted my hair on one side, pulled it into a loose chignon, and secured it at the nape of my neck with a ruby stoned comb. I slipped on my T-bar strap heels and headed out of the building. I sped down the avenue in my royal blue Rolls-Royce Phantom.

  Eighteen - Cordelia

  The Truth Lies in the Eyes

  Of course, I called on Evan first. He, his sister, and Nikolas were situated in the top story duplex apartment in a building just two blocks away. Somehow, I would have to bare the loss of Nikolas’ company, but I knew what he wanted more than anything – to live with his betrothed.

  The doorman greeted me with a casual ‘How do you do miss’, and showed me to elevator. Once out of the elevator, I stood in the Evan’s vast hall entrance. Evan met me at the end of the hall in a cream-colored linen suit. His two-tone brown wingtips tapped on the marble flooring. The view of him was far more majestic – towering and elegant – than anything, I had seen since arriving in Manhattan.

  “What took you so long?” Evan planted a kiss on my forehead. “I was just about to jump into my Mercedes Breezer.”

  The kiss was a sweet gesture, but not the kind I had expected. He took my hand and led me down the main hall to the rear of the apartment. We stepped out onto the spacious terrace, which allowed a breathtaking view of city. In the center of the balcony was a statue of a mermaid floating in the center of a circular water fountain.

  Evan held my hand to his cheek for a second before bringing it to his lips. He kissed my hand and said, “You look absolutely stunning, doll.”

  “You look pretty spiffy yourself.” We both giggled, and it felt like old times. Evan led me to a small patio table that was set for two in the left corner of the patio. He pulled out one of the wicker chairs and motioned for me to sit d
own. I obliged and immediately caught a strange look in his piercing blue eyes.

  “Does this feel like home?” I asked.

  “No,” he said as he took the seat across from me. “Not until you join me.”

  “Is that what you really want?” I couldn’t help wondering about his feelings for Evangelia.

  “I wouldn’t have said it if it wasn’t. Like you, I can change a lot of things –what one can see,” Evan said referring to our gift of Glamouring. “But I can’t change what I feel for you. You’re in my heart, Delia. Not so long ago, it was also, what you wanted. Has that changed?”

  I couldn’t control the joy I felt when I heard Evan’s reply. The urge was always there, and suddenly, it increased by countless degrees. I jumped out of my chair, took his face in my hands, and pressed my lips to his. Evan, seemingly as hungry for me as I was for him, stood up and took me in his arms. It felt so right to be right here on the terrace under the warm setting sun with the boy I had loved for so long. Nothing else mattered that very moment, not even the growing feelings I had for Victor, or the fear I felt of something far more horrific on the horizon than the elders being smothered. Nothing in the universe mattered but Evan and being as close to him as possible.

  “Only the taste of true love could be sweeter than this bottle of wine.” Nikolas said, interrupting our blissful moment. He strode onto the balcony arm-in-arm with Bethany.

  Nikolas looked sporty in pale blue, linen trousers held up by suspenders, a crisp, crème colored, pinstriped shirt with a white collar, and a tie. His hair was pulled back in the usual ponytail. Bethany was breathtaking in a geometric patterned, boat-neck, knee-length chiffon dress. Her leather T-bar strapped heels clicked against the limestone patio. Like me, Bethany had resisted cutting her hair into a Bob-cut or a shingle wave haircut – hairstyles which were in vogue and coveted by nearly every young woman. Instead, she pulled her golden blonde hair back and knotted it in a chignon. Cardinal red lipstick emphasized the rosebud pout of her full lips and the long and delicate strand of pearls accented her ensemble perfectly

  “Nothing can remotely compare to the sweet taste of you, my love.” Bethany said, and puckered up to Nikolas. She held up an opened bottle of wine.

  Nikolas bowed his head and kissed the love of his life. I immediately wanted to leave them alone because when they kissed, something extraordinary happened. It was as if the earth stood still and the gods paused to shower blessings on them. I was becoming more and more aware of the hollowness I felt and slowly pulled away from Evan. I saw the growing emptiness in his eyes, too and fell deeper into sadness. Only a moment ago we had been happy until witnessing the god’s unbreakable love between our closest relatives.

  “If everyone is ready,” I said, trying to distract myself. “I’d like to discuss a few things.”

  “Without me?” Victor asked.

  Everyone turned to stare at him as he made his way down the steps to the patio. He gazed at me, lovingly, before shooting Evan a piercing look. “Night Wind let me in. I hope you don’t mind, old boy.”

  Victor looked quite the gentlemen in a plaid suit and pinstriped tie. He took of his straw boater. His jet-black hair – parted on the side and slicked back – shone in the sunlight. Somehow, he squeezed his muscular frame into the narrow foot of space between Evan and me as if it was his place to stand beside me at all times. Just as it seemed Evan was about to speak, Evangelia stepped though the French doors.

  I believe Evan’s world stood still the moment she came into view. Evangelia stood with her eyes transfixed on him for a moment or two before coming down the steps. I was sure that anyone attuned to Evan’s aura noticed his heart skip a beat when she looked into his eyes. Evangelia was radiant in a lace, cap-sleeved, rose colored, chiffon dress that exposed her slim calves. She wore flesh tone heels, secured by a buttoned fastened strap over the instep. The sun hat, which concealed pinned up, midnight black waves, was adorned with rose hued silk flowers.

  “I think we should take our discussion into the salon.” Evan said, clearing his throat and trying to regain his composure.

  Evan reached for my hand but Bethany grabbed it first, winked at her brother, and said, “In a minute, I need to borrow Delia for a second.”

  Bethany tugged at my hand and led me toward the limestone banister that enclosed the patio. She waited as Evan led Niko, Victor, and his sister back into the apartment. Once the French doors were shut, Bethany began talking.

  “None of the lesser gods can help Evan right now, the same way they can’t help you and Victor. Not after Zeus has set your paths into motion.” I should have known that this was what she wanted to talk about – the matches.

  “Evan and I don’t need any help,” I said, annoyed.

  “You’re only fooling yourself.” Bethany chuckled lightly.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked, pretending not to understand what she meant.

  “I mean what you and Victor are feeling. Now that you’ve restored his strengths, his aura has heightened along with your emotions. The feelings you’ve always had for him have surfaced. It’s not your fault. You did what was beneficial for the empire on the whole by empowering him, but you’ve lost Evander for good in doing so.” Bethany said.

  “I haven’t lost Evan.” I argued.

  “Are you sure of that? It seems to me and everyone else in the empire that Evangelia has found him.”

  I took a deep breath and turned away from Bethany. I stared at the water as it poured into the base of the fountain and then tried to concentrate on the setting sun. No matter what I did to distract myself, I couldn’t. I didn’t want to believe that she was right. Lately, my heart and mind didn’t work well together when it came to Evander. I loved him and didn’t dare to imagine him with anyone else but me. Bethany’s words had confirmed what I was beginning to see. My disciples were starting to notice Evan and Evangelia’s attraction to each other and probably noticed the attraction between Victor and me.

  “How long do you think you have with my brother before Victor’s aura takes over you?” Bethany asked in a whisper.

  “I still love him, Beth. I can’t help that. I’m so scared that I won’t be able to prevent what Zeus has always wanted for us.”

  “You poor thing. You’ve got too much on your shoulders – the obstacle of finding your parents in time, and the fact that your heart weighs a ton with the love for two men.” My head jerked and I turned to look at Bethany. My best friend knew me as well as she knew the truth.

  “What can I do about it? I want so badly to be with Evan. I’ve treasured him for so long. I don’t think I could live without him. I think of him whenever he isn’t near and can’t wait for the moment when I can see him again, yet Victor fills a large portion of my heart that I hadn’t known was empty. Being near him ignites intense emotions and lust that I’ve never known with Evan. When I’m near Victor, Evan doesn’t exist.” Once I said it, I couldn’t believe I had, although I was being honest. “Just the look in Victor’s eyes and his touch alone could send me over the edge and into his arms forever. Beth, what do I do?”

  Bethany seemed astounded and saddened by my statement and question. She paused for a moment and looked out at the tumbling water that was very much a part of her soul. We both watched as a ripple in the water flipped and turned into a big wave. I knew that she was controlling the water and it was her way of letting me know that she was giving my question great thought.

  “Niko and I love each other a great deal, but I don’t know what it’s like to feel what you’re feeling. I’ve never been in love with anyone other than Niko, but I don’t think you should base you decision on what’s in your mind and heart. Allow your mind to do what it does best, and that’s to strategize a safe way of life for our empire and leave your heart to love whom it will love.”

  “That’s easier said than done, oh blond and wise one,” I said, smiling at my best friend.

  “Yes it is, but you know I’m right.” Bethany
said elbowing me playfully for the blond remark. “Yes, my brother loves you, but he loves Evangelia in a way that he didn’t know he could love, which is the same way you are feeling, I believe. It seems that Victor truly loves you and that may be more than he’s used to handling.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked curiously.

  “Oh so you haven’t noticed, huh? Victor’s aura is at a scorching level when you are near him. He’s somewhat…softer when you’re in his presence and he looks at you the way Niko looks at me.

  “The same way Evan looks at Evangelia and vice versa.” I sighed.

  “You left the most important part out, Delia. The way you look at Victor.”

  “Maybe I meant to leave that part out on purpose.” I said, biting my lower lip.

  “Well the truth lies in the eyes. We all see it. Come on, let’s go back inside or they’re going to think we teleported back to Nickel City.”

  “I’ll be right in, just give me a moment.” I said, and hugged Bethany.

  Bethany nodded and hugged me back, and then she went back into the apartment. I stayed behind and tried to stop the tears from falling.

  Nineteen - Cordelia

  Power Struggle

  I leaned over the banister and let my mind drift as I took in the sea of industrial sites beneath me. A sudden burst of heat mixed into with the breeze, wafting around me, and it felt like the sun was only a few feet away. His aura was intense and alluring, yet different – almost as if he was smoldering. Maybe his aura had been altered by the gods now that his powers have been restored. At this moment, the reason for the change didn’t really matter much to me as he stood behind me.